In the long period of the Ottoman domination in the greek area, the household (hane) was the elementary unit, the base of the economic relations between the subjects and the sultan's state. The basic bread-winning activities like farming, animal breeding, fishing and small industry required hands for which provided the family. Having many children appeared as a solution to face the family's life struggle. Two or more generations lived under the same roof to familiarize the youth with their future role as adults. They teached them the secrets of their profession or the life managing tasks as they would follow their parents' profession.
As far as the internal organization of the household, it consisted the main place of action for the female or young members. Women and girls did the cooking, kneading, cleaning, nurtured the small children and occupied themselves with embroidery and the loom. The family in the Ottoman society guarantied the security and the bonding. To maintain the order, strict behaviours and punishment was employed on anyone who would break the family code.